SpaceX is preparing to launch its second mission from KSC’s Pad 39A, with the expendable Falcon 9 tasked with the EchoStar 23 mission conducting a Static Fire test on Thursday following an issue during Tuesday’s attempt – ultimately slipping the launch date to March 14. Meanwhile, SLC-40 is preparing for a return to operations in August, in turn initiating the second phase of work on 39A for Falcon Heavy.Preparations for EchoStar 23:

Per the L2 report, the damage was to hydraulic plumbing and wiring, which has since been repaired.

Engineers have also added some additional blast protection to prevent future damage, aiding SpaceX’s goal of an increased launch cadence as it works through a busy order book.

That next launch on the schedule involves the EchoStar 23 geostationary satellite.

The satellite was built by SSL, based on its 1300 bus. It is a flexible Ku-band satellite capable of being used from eight different orbital slots. It is expected to be initially used in a 45 degree slot over Brazil, with an operational lifetime of 15 years.

See Also

The Static Fire test is effectively a full dress rehearsal ahead of launch day. The launch control team and the rocket – minus the payload – undergo the same flow as they will expect ahead of launch. This allows for a test of the major countdown items such as propellant loading and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operations.

A 3.5-second firing of the nine Merlin 1D engines highlights the test, which – among numerous other data points – provides information on engine ignition and shut down commands.

The window for test lasts around six hours, which allows breathing space within the window for any unforeseen troubleshooting.

The initial test window opened at 6 pm Eastern on Tuesday, with the target T-0 tracking 7:30 pm Eastern. However, 30 minutes into the window, an unspecified issue resulted in the test being delayed 24 and then 48 hours to allow for inspections. The T-0 for Thursday’s firing was at the opening of the test window at 6 pm Eastern.

Following the test, the rocket’s propellant will be drained back ahead of the vehicle returning to the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) for payload mating.

At the same time, SpaceX engineers will be conducting a data review into the test, which in turn feeds into the Launch Readiness Review (LRR) – at which point SpaceX officially sets the launch date.

Due to the delays with the Static Fire test, SpaceX is now targeting a window that opens at 01:34 Eastern on March 14 and lasts for 2.5 hours. March 16 is the backup date. March 14 was the date for the Delta IV WGS-9 launch. ULA has yet to comment on the status of its launch schedule, the Delta IV will now move to the right on the schedule.

The Falcon 9 involved with this launch is classed as expendable, meaning the Falcon 9 won’t be returning for another spectacular landing at LZ-1 or on the Drone Ship. It will instead head for a watery grave in the Atlantic.

With schedules subject to change, launch date placeholders – usually used to “book” a slot on the Range – only provide a level of guidance to SpaceX’s manifest plans.

L2 Range information for both KSC and Vandenberg show two launches arranging dates in April from the East Coast, although this does not include the CRS-11 Dragon, with ISS sources claiming they are waiting on an updated launch schedule.

On the West Coast, three missions have set placeholders for launch from Vandenberg, namely Iridium 2 on June 17, the Formosat-5 mission on July 22 and Iridium-3 on August 24.

This work will take “at least 60 days” to complete, focusing on the 39A TEL table – which is currently specific to the single core Falcon 9 – and Tail Service Masts (TSM).

Once the work is complete, SpaceX is expected to conduct a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) for the Falcon Heavy – which will include two side boosters that have previously been involved with Falcon 9 missions.

The debut of the Falcon Heavy is not expected to take place until the latter part of the year and is currently believed to be without a specific payload.